Media Release: March 17 COVID-19 Update

March 17, 2020

March 17, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Release

COVID-19 Response to Include Recreation Centre Closure

FORT NELSON – The continued spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Canada and around the world has understandably raised concerns for residents of the Northern Rockies. We want you to know that your safety will remain our top priority as this situation continues to evolve.

At a Special Meeting held March 17th, Regional Council resolved to take a number of precautionary steps above and beyond the recommendations from the Provincial Health Officer regarding mass gatherings. Council also resolved to amend the NRRM Procedure Bylaw to allow council members to attend special and in camera meetings by phone. As well, late charges on NRRM utility and receivable accounts will be waived during this time. These provisions are intended to help limit the potential spread of COVID-19, based on the NRRM’s remote locations, local healthcare capacity and distance from other services.

Northern Rockies Regional Recreation Centre - as of March 18th, the Recreation Centre, including the Aquatic Centre will be closed to the public until further notice. At this time, staff will be undertaking annual pool maintenance and any other scheduled tasks that can be completed during the closure.

Spring Break Kids Camp - Session 1 is underway and will continue to March 20 as scheduled.

Spring Break Kids Camp - Session 2 (March 23-27) and all other programming is cancelled. Please note that any cancellation fees are waived and participants will be refunded registration fees in full for any cancelled programs.

Northern Rockies Fire Rescue will operate as normal, but access to the Fire Hall will be restricted to emergency personnel.

The NRRM Municipal Office in the Town Square will be open as usual; however, we will be making some operational changes to help protect our staff. Public access at Municipal Hall will be limited to the front lobby and Regional Council Chambers (Bear Pit). Many transactions can be completed online, please give us a call and we would be happy to assist you through the process.

We’ll keep you informed.We are committed to keeping our lines of communication open to inform you of the latest developments.

Connect with us your way.

You can reach out to us in all of the usual ways.

Sign up for the NRRM Emergency Alert system: www.NorthernRockies.ca/Alert

If you need to pay a bill, consider registering and paying online through your financial institution.

Check the website for updates at https://www.northernrockies.ca/covid19

Follow the Northern Rockies on Facebook or Twitter

You can watch streaming council meetings, or view the recording at your convenience on the NRRM Youtube channel www.NorthernRockies.ca/CouncilCast

Please observe the recommended social distancing, especially if you have a cough, fever or are experiencing other respiratory symptoms. Wash your hands often with soap and water, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and stay home when you are sick.

Questions about your health? Where can I get more information?

Please refer to official sources regarding the coronavirus, as misinformation has been circulating on social media:

The Public Health Agency of Canada has set up a novel coronavirus telephone information line at: 1-833-784-4397.

Anyone concerned that they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, should contact their primary care provider, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 or call the Northern Health COVID-19 Online Clinic and Info Line at 1-844-645-7811